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New dealer in Cincinnati

12K views 22 replies 14 participants last post by  greygoose19 
#1 ·
Just wanted to let you all know that there is a new dealer in Cincinnati. Triumph of Cincinnati at 3251 Highland Ave Cincinnati, OH 45213. It is owned by Mr Nolan who also owns Cincinnati Harley and I think one other HD dealership. Correct me on that if I am wrong. My buddy stopped in the other day and said they stock all of the models.

AB
 
#2 ·
Been in there a couple of times now and I still don't quite know what to make of them. I've only seen 3 people in there working; one was a harley mechanic that apparently is now also the triumph mechanic, the other 2 were sales guys. Of the 2 salesmen, one didn't seem to know a damn thing about any of the bikes and the other struck me as the epitome of a used car salesman.

When I asked about ordering a few small parts they used car salesman sort of bitched about how it wasn't a $400 order and that he didn't know if he'd be able to get the parts unless I bought more, yadda, yadda. Seems like they are taking a page out of Lexington Triumph's handbook in terms of not really caring much about anything other than selling bikes.

I really hope they get better and its just that they are working out the bugs, we'll see.
 
#3 ·
Went to Triumph of Cincinnati yesterday. I thought they were great. They just brought out a new green Thruxton. The service guy told me that they just got it and they had a lot of people looking for them. He also told me that they would have all the models in stock. They did have more bikes than any of the other dealers that I visited. Lot's of people were buying clothing and they had a nice selection. I bought a t-shirt and my experience was fine. Mabel Bier was right about working the bugs out.
 
#6 ·
the cincy dealer is where i bought my new SE, I knew what I wanted when I went in and price/model was really my only concern along with future service since I don't want to don't want to do my own service anymore... my RE Bullet cured me of that! So I don't have an "uninformed" type of buyer experience. I found them to be up to speed on all the models and they did go to TN HQ for training on the bikes. Van Johnson is the service guy, he knows his stuff and has very practical advice. The sales staff, to me was polite and competent, no pushy buy now incentive or else it will be gone kinda attitude... if I waited and the bike was sold in the meantime they said they would find another, no problem with that. Parts are 1 day away in TN warehouse by FedEx or UPS which is ok by me since I don't foresee any problems. Went in for my 500 mile breakin first service and it was easy breezy, downloaded updates and did service aperfect no issues. the accessory part of the showroom is a work in progress as they get up to speed with inventory. One thing I did notice is Triumph was dumping a whole bunch of stuff (clothes, cups, belts, jackets, t-shirts etc etc) on them willy nilly without any semblence of what was needed, did they need 40 small sized t-shirts? No! but they'll work it out as they grow. They are establishing a customer base, takes time but I'm willing to work with them over time since in a few years I'd buy from them again. Lexington they are not, they called me a number of times to see if I was happy and to let me know they're there for any reason. That's good customer service in my opinion but it takes me also to take an interest in what they are offering too. So far a triple A+ rating from me.
 
#7 ·
The guys at Triumph of Cincinnati are great guys to deal with and really care!

I spent a ton of time there when I was looking for my new bike and Lou answered all my questions. I test drove several bikes and came back and did it again as I was torn between the 800 and 1200 tigers. He even let me try the 1050 which was a great bike but not me. Since I was going for the 1200 loaded, I was in the ball park of the trophy so I test rode it as well. Since I sold my Goldwing, I was looking for something different. While I was considering the purchase, I ran across a 1200 explorer on craigslist with 450 miles on it for $4000 cheaper as the guy had to sell it so I jumped on it. Now I find out it was a launch bike with some of the issues. Even though I didn't buy the bike from them, Lou called me several times just to talk about it and set up with Triumph to fix all my concerns with it at no charge. Van the mechanic even flashed it with the updated tunes for free! I was surprised how good they have treated me even though I didn't buy it there but they will always be the ones to work on it and where I will by my next bike,
 
#8 ·
The sales is ok, one salesperson in particular is actually a motorcycle rider and a good person. Though no one really rides motorcycles here. Only the one salesman does, and the tech in the back. No one else rides. I have had two services from this dealer. Both ended in me having to either add or drain oil, adn re-check over everything. Why pay for a service when you end up having to do it yourself anyway? While I could over look things such as headlights falling off, damaged battery shrouds, techs laughing at me when I tell them my brakes are spongie feeling with a sour brown color fluid, even the dented oil line, or damaged wheel. They tend to think they can do no wrong. Poor response to customer service unless you contact Triumph direct, not the dealer.

The way I have over heard the techs talk customers is almost embarrassing, and insulting.

I thought it was a miracle that a dealer opened near by. However I find myself needing to travel two hours into Ky to a proper Triumph dealer.

Do yourself a favor if your looking to by a Triumph, go to a different dealership. One that will take care of you, one that will stand behind the work they do. Not this one.

Triumph is an amazing brand, with people that provide a great product and even better customer service. Unfortunately this dealer just doesn't follow that trend. I am a Triumph loyal for life with how well Triumph treated me. It is the problem that the dealer would not assist.

Some issues and lack of knowledge could be blamed on this dealership being new, even inexperienced in the service department. However they would be better to not act like they know what they are talking. The used car salesman of a manager told me my shift light was a visual indicator of how much torque was available, with peak torque at 3000 revs on a S3R. Something easy enough to over look but just one more part of the long trend of negative that is this dealer.

Stay away from this dealer, go to KY and enjoy the amazing motorcycles of Triumph.
 
#9 ·
Hard times with service issues

Mark (the current GM) and i started off on the right foot until I confronted him with the timing of a service (front end damage after a collision) issue after my bike sat at the dealership for two weeks. Since this was not what was originally discussed , I calmly reporting my displeasure and the guy went on the offensive. The event was handled poorly and his tone marked a new low for customer service. The clincher was his final statement after i made my case. He said with attitude (and i quote): WHY ARE YOU HERE?........

They seem to be descent for sales, but when it comes to service, they may fall short of your expectations. They make claim to having multiple full time technicians , but the reality is that the on site techs are part time (BTW - Bob is no longer there), and the one full time tech is located at the co-owned HD dealer down the street. When the one "part time" on site tech gets backed up, bikes get shipped off to another location and end out going to the end of another techs "que". Who knows how far backed up they need to be before someone makes a determination that your service work needs to be transferred. My bike was in the shop 8 weeks after initial drop off. 8 WEEKS!!! Mark never once contacted me concerning an update or completion date.

Rob Nolan (owner) seems like a nice enough guy and was apologetic after i reported the way i was treated by his GM at the dealership. We discussed bypassing the triumph dealer all together for service issues since these bikes may get shipped to the harley dealer anyway to be worked on by there newly certified triumph mechanic. Rob assured me this would not be a problem , even though the folks at the triumph dealer will tell you otherwise.

I dont want to bash this dealership too hard over my negative experience with one individual, and reviews all state "good" ratings for sales, but my little debacle was way off balance. I would really like this dealer to be successful here in town since its quite a haul to find another in the area. The showroom is nice, well stocked, and the staff seems to be relatively upbeat about the brand. Hopefully, my issue (involving a collision) is the exception vs. the rule, but dont be surprised if you get caught is this loop going from one location to the other and experiencing an unreasonable amount of down time during the shuffle.

If you decide to stop in with your "after the sale" service issues, you may have to prepare yourself to answer the following question: WHY ARE YOU HERE?

Goose
 
#10 ·
Mark (the current GM) and i started off on the right foot until I confronted him with the timing of a service (front end damage after a collision) issue after my bike sat at the dealership for two weeks. Since this was not what was originally discussed , I calmly reporting my displeasure and the guy went on the offensive. The event was handled poorly and his tone marked a new low for customer service. The clincher was his final statement after i made my case. He said with attitude (and i quote): WHY ARE YOU HERE?........

They seem to be descent for sales, but when it comes to service, they may fall short of your expectations. They make claim to having multiple full time technicians , but the reality is that the on site techs are part time (BTW - Bob is no longer there), and the one full time tech is located at the co-owned HD dealer down the street. When the one "part time" on site tech gets backed up, bikes get shipped off to another location and end out going to the end of another techs "que". Who knows how far backed up they need to be before someone makes a determination that your service work needs to be transferred. My bike was in the shop 8 weeks after initial drop off. 8 WEEKS!!! Mark never once contacted me concerning an update or completion date.

Rob Nolan (owner) seems like a nice enough guy and was apologetic after i reported the way i was treated by his GM at the dealership. We discussed bypassing the triumph dealer all together for service issues since these bikes may get shipped to the harley dealer anyway to be worked on by there newly certified triumph mechanic. Rob assured me this would not be a problem , even though the folks at the triumph dealer will tell you otherwise.

I don't want to bash this dealership too hard over my negative experience with one individual, and reviews all state "good" ratings for sales, but my little debacle was way off balance. I would really like this dealer to be successful here in town since its quite a haul to find another in the area. The showroom is nice, well stocked, and the staff seems to be relatively upbeat about the brand. Hopefully, my issue (involving a collision) is the exception vs. the rule, but don't be surprised if you get caught is this loop going from one location to the other and experiencing an unreasonable amount of down time during the shuffle.

If you decide to stop in with your "after the sale" service issues, you may have to prepare yourself to answer the following question: WHY ARE YOU HERE?

Goose
I agree, if you can't get it maintained or repaired or parts ordered, why sell the bikes? I will go out of my way to avoid poor dealers and I hold a grudge.:nerd: All I want is proper service, it may not be fast, but communicate; I've asked the two local dealers about the price for synchronizing a new key to the immobilizer. Two wildly different prices, but only estimated; I don't want guesses for a specific repair, that shouldn't be a guess.
 
#12 ·
The GM recently informed me that “my business is no longer welcome at this location” secondary to the negative online review of my experience and something about “a disruption of service during my original complaint”. I find it incomprehensible that a customer complaint issue (that could have easily been handled with a customer service phone call), has led to such an end result. But then again, I was asked “why are you here”?.....

I’ve heard that changes are being made (new Service manager and full time mechanic) that will hopefully have a positive effect on this part of the business. Dan (new service manager who oversees the owners other dealerships) has treated me professionally and knows the role of being a customer service representative.

It’s worth noting that I’ve had a good experience with this dealer’s parent dealership (Harley Davidson of Cincinnati) where my bike ended out going after being moved from the triumph location. They have a certified triumph mechanic, offered a storage option due to the length of time needed to perform the necessary repairs, kept me informed through the process, and addressed concerns when the bike was returned.

greygoose
 
#13 ·
I dont know what triumph dealer you went to in cincinnati but , triumph of cincinnati i went to has changed its staff twice since i took my bike to them for repair on some electrical issues. They had the bike from the end of summer 2016 to this april of 2017. Just got the bike back. they charged me 400.00 for winter storage(when i have a garage i could have kept my own bike in). Then 251.00 for fixing nothing cause the bike is still having problems. NOT A GOOD DEALER TO DEAL WITH
 
#15 ·
Purchased my 17 TTR at Triumph of Cincinnati a few weeks ago. The sales process was casual and efficient. Don the SM has been great to work with. I got a fair price for my trade-in. Very pleased with the experience so far. They are picking the bike up today for the 500 mile service and to install the fairing & heated grips. This will be my first service so we'll see how it goes. Overall I am impressed with this dealer. Nice roomy showroom with lots of inventory in bikes, accessories and clothing.
 
#16 ·
Thats pretty much most peoples experience. The sales process goes smoothly, showroom is nice, and sales rep is accommodating. Its the service side of the house thats rough. you should be fine with basic service for the most part, its stuff outside of that where the snake shows its ugly head. Hopefully you wont need anything over and above the basics. If so, we highly recommend looking elsewhere for any work needed (outside of warranty issues). You 'll be glad you did. Hopefully we'll get a shop in town we can count on to work on these great bikes. Untill then, keep your fingers crossed. We only have two other options in Cincinnati right now. Joes in Dayton, and iron pony in Columbus. Both have good reputations.

Greygoose
 
#19 · (Edited)
Also your 500 mile is a giant ripoff. They will do an oil change and turn the dash symbol off until 6k miles. $300+ for 4 quarts of oil and a filter is absurd. The other stuff they claim to do they dont because it really isnt needed....its just BS to justify charging 5x too much. If you cant do that yourself i would be glad to come to you or just take it anywhere else. Afj race shop, motto guzzi in blue ash, cycle specialties, joes, anywhere. Many shops will pickup and deliver for fractions. If youre concerned for warranty reasons it does not void it, please contact triumph north america to confirm and tell them youre questioning doing business with triumph of cincinnati.
 
#20 ·
I usually do all of my own maintenance but this 500-mile service was part of the original purchase so I am going to let them do it. Plus, I want them to install the fairing and heated grips as those were included in the original purchase as well. I appreciate the heads up. I will definitely watch this closely.
 
#23 · (Edited)
Just got the news that the GM at this dealership (who banned me from the location) has been fired and they are under new management (but same owner). They also have a new mechanic there that is suppose to be excellent. I've not stopped in yet to meet the new management, but i'm happy to hear that there taking a step in the right direction. So the banning of a triumph enthusiast from a triumph dealer has been lifted!!!

If anyone gets a chance to stop in and meet the new guy (mark, not to be confused with the last GM whos name is also mark), report back on what you find out.

This could be exciting news here in Cincinnati since the two closest dealers in Dayton and Columbus are discontinuing sales of triumphs due to a corporate decision to force dealers to stock all models.

Greygoose
 
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